
ABOUT
OPERATION TINY HOUSE

Valerie Ballard, is the Executive Director of Operation Tiny House, the fiscal agent is North Texas Capacity Builders, Inc. She is the daughter of a US Army Veteran. Her dad served as a Paratrooper. Her drive for Operation Tiny House and its affiliates come from her late grandmother, Joanna Webb-Murria, who always took good care of the wounded veterans in her family.
Studies show that 22 veterans commit suicide each day. Some contributing factors include isolation, lack of purpose, and—you guessed it—homelessness. Our veterans’ communities will directly address these issues.
North Texas Capacity Builders, through Operation Tiny House, has long addressed housing insecurity among veterans by creating stable, supportive environments. Today, we’re excited to announce our latest step: acquiring new property in Dallas as part of “The Airborne at University Hills” marking a transformative shift in our new mission.
The Airborne at University Hills will be an inclusive community blending market-rate and corporate-sponsored housing. Here, veterans, entrepreneurs, college faculty, career professionals, and students will live in a dynamic environment that fosters mentorship, career growth, and personal development.
Our commitment to veterans and to building inclusive communities is unwavering. This evolution allows us to serve a broader North Texas community while staying true to our mission. As housing needs change, North Texas Capacity Builders is adapting to meet them. We invite our community partners, sponsors, and supporters to join us on our new journey.
MISSION & HISTORY.

Joanna Webb-Murria
We uphold the dignity of veteran families by providing housing, a path to purpose, and community fellowship.
For decades, Joanna Webb-Murria was regarded as the most cherished member of the Watson-Webb family. She was the youngest of six children born in Minden, Louisiana on January 14, 1915. Joanna was educated at Watson School in Grove, Louisiana, which was founded by her mother’s two brothers, Tom and Wesley Watson, both of whom served in the U.S. Army. She later attended Webster Training School, which was also founded by her family.
Joanna graduated in 1935 as a dietician and began working in local Louisiana hospitals. Her professional career afforded her opportunities to travel and work throughout the country in places like Vancouver, Washington, and Arkansas.
Joanna was born into a family of successful entrepreneurs, military war heroes, and great humanitarians. The Watson-Webb family depended on her to care for wounded veteran family members returning from military duty. She was an advocate for good nutrition and healthy eating habits and was dedicated to providing medical nutritional intervention through food monitoring and preparation. She was happy to cook and care for her parents, siblings, and family members when their health began to decline. Joanna never smoked or consumed alcohol a day in her life, which is likely the reason she lived to see her ninety-seventh birthday.
Joanna was the mother of Dr. Arthur Webb, who served as the first enlisted African American Academy Specialist and U.S. Army Instructor. Her brother, J. Walter Webb, was a World War II U.S. Army Cadet, and her uncle, Wesley Watson, was a U.S. Army World War II recipient of the Bronze Star Medal. Her son-in-law, Jesse Staten, was a U.S. Army Paratrooper. There are fifty-two other veteran family members.
Joanna Webb-Murria lived in the Beckley Club Estates neighborhood in the Oak Cliff Area of Dallas for twenty years. Her cherished home, once named the Joanna’s Veterans Camp, was dedicated to her work and love for veterans. Her home was donated by her granddaughter, Valerie Ballard, who is the Executive Director of North Texas Capacity Builders Operation Tiny House.
Joanna, in her later years, enjoyed sitting under the shade trees at the home dedicated to her legacy. After suffering three strokes, Joanna spent the last two years of her life at Williamsburg Village Nursing Center. She fought a long, hard battle.
On Sunday, May 20, 2012, she went home to be with the Lord. Joanna will be forever loved and remembered by her family members and the Dallas community.
OPERATION TINY HOUSE
IN ACTION.
OUR SPONSERS.
Operation Tiny House is able to grow and continue spreading our mission thanks to our corporate sponsors. Get Involved to become a sponsor and help us solve veteran homelessness.
